HC Deb 05 March 1981 vol 1000 cc165-6W
Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the last informal meeting with local authorities took place at which research into aspects of civil defence was discussed; who was present; and when the next meeting is likely to take place.

Mr. Mayhew

There are frequent informal meetings with members of local authorities about different aspects of civil defence. If my hon. Friend has in mind some specific subject perhaps he will let me know.

Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide the dates of the last six meetings at which the local authority associations discussed civil defence with his Department.

Mr. Mayhew

The last six meetings took place on:

  • 26 February 1980. Association of County Councils.
  • 11 March 1980. Association of County Councils.
  • 25 April 1980. Association of County Councils and the Association of Metropolitan Authorities.
  • 12 May 1980. Association of County Councils and the Association of Metropolitan Authorities.
  • 23 October 1980. Association of County Councils.
  • 18 February 1981. Association of County Councils.

My right hon. Friend is meeting the Association of County Councils and the Association of Metropolitan Authorities on 5 March.

Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, further to his reply to the hon. Member for Rugby on 23 February, if he will outline the means which his Department uses to review the civil defence preparedness of local authorities.

Mr. Mayhew

The civil defence preparedness of local authorities is kept under review by means of their regular informal liaison with the Home Office and the Home Defence College.

Mr. Ted Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in the light of the report sent to him by the publication"Electronics Today", stating that all electronic communications, including radio and computer networks, would be disrupted or destroyed by the electromagnetic pulse in the event of a nuclear explosion up to a range of 2,500 kilometres, he will amend the booklet"Protect and Survive", which suggests to the public that they should listen for radio messages and instructions.

Mr. Mayhew

No. We are advised that domestic transistor radios with internal aerials are substantially immune from damage by electromagnetic pulse. Precautions will be taken to reduce the risk of damage to wartime broadcasting service transmitters.